Multi-mode variable bandwidth repeater switch and method therefor

ABSTRACT

An enhanced services communication system (10) has a standard services region and an enhanced services region (58) in which communication may be carried out. Subscriber units (49, 109) located within the enhanced services region (58) request enhanced services that include dynamic allocation of bandwidth. A variable bandwidth repeater switch (42) evaluates the availability of requested bandwidth and allocates the bandwidth to the subscriber units (49, 109) when available. Transmission of data using enhanced services occurs using wideband wired interfaces (115), wideband wireless interfaces (70), or PSTN interfaces (103). Selection of dynamic allocation of bandwidth may rely upon economic, propagation duration, or link quality factors, among other considerations.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of wireless communicationand, more specifically, to methods and systems that provide variablebandwidths to users.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Communication systems generally are designed to facilitate transmissionof a defined or predictable type such as voice, data, or video andtransmit such data using a predefined and designed bandwidth. Such rigidbandwidth designs are sufficient for providing basic services tosubscriber units designed to transmit only limited forms of data atconstant bandwidths, however, for subscriber units that employ multipleforms of media requiring diverse data rates, or for communication thatmay occasionally involve the transfer of substantial amounts ofinformation, rigid and fixed bandwidths for data transfers limit theperformance of such communication systems.

Independent communication systems have evolved to handle specific formsof diverse media such as cellular communication systems for handlingvoice communication, local and wide area networks for distributingcomputer data, and wide bandwidth satellite and fiber optic systems fortransceiving video and other high data rate information. Transmission ofinformation not specifically or ideally tailored for a specific systemincurs needless expense or protracted transmission of non-idealinformation. For example, transmitting video imagery over a lowdata-rate cellular or telephone system requires substantial time andinserts considerable delay into the transmission path between images.Furthermore, substantial expense may be incurred for additional connecttime to these services. Conversely, transmission of low data-rateinformation such as a voice conversation over a high bandwidth satellitecommunication link or fiber optic link may be expensive for the amountof data actually transferred.

Thus, what is needed is a system and method for detecting theavailability of enhanced communication services, and dynamicallyallocating bandwidth to a subscriber unit as needed for improvingefficiency of transfer of information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is pointed out with particularity in the appended claims.However, a more complete understanding of the present invention may bederived by referring to the detailed description and claims whenconsidered in connection with the figures:

FIG. 1 illustrates a communication system having an enhanced servicesregion, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a variable bandwidthrepeater switch for use in a communication system, in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for dynamically allocating bandwidthto a subscriber unit in an enhanced services region, in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method performed by a subscriber unit thatutilizes dynamically allocated bandwidth through a variable bandwidthrepeater switch in an enhanced services region of a communicationsystem, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

The exemplification set out herein illustrates a preferred embodiment ofthe invention in one form thereof, and such exemplification is notintended to be construed as limiting in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The present invention provides, among other things, a method and systemfor dynamically allocating bandwidth through a variable bandwidthrepeater switch to a subscriber unit located in an enhanced servicesregion. The method and system include detecting the availability ofenhanced services, evaluating the availability of requested bandwidth,and allocating the requested bandwidth to the subscriber unit.

The present invention further provides a method for a subscriber unit toemploy enhanced services by allocating bandwidth in a variable bandwidthrepeater switch. The switch has a plurality of interconnections and candetect the availability of enhanced services, request enhanced services,and employ the requested services when granted.

FIG. 1 illustrates a communication system having an enhanced servicesregion, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

In enhanced communication system 10, a subscriber unit 55 employsstandard communication techniques over standard communication link 50with a standard services communication system 51. Standard servicescommunication system 51 is a typical cellular communication system orother two-way wireless or wired communication system. A subscriber unit49 or 109 also communicates with standard services communication system51 over standard communication link 60. Subscriber unit 49 may be acellular phone-type communication transceiver while subscriber unit 109may be a data terminal such as a computer device.

Enhanced communication system 10 provides enhanced services to userstherein by dynamically allocating bandwidth to subscriber units residentin an enhanced services region 58. In a preferred embodiment, enhancedservices region 58 is formed by transmission of an enhanced servicesbeacon signal 52. All subscriber units capable of receiving enhancedservices beacon signal 52 may request enhanced services from enhancedservices communication system 10. Enhanced services beacon signal 52'propagates outside of enhanced services region 58 to subscriber unit 55,but the received signal level is degraded such that an enhanced servicescommunication link with subscriber unit 55 is not practical.

Subscriber units 49 and 109, when located within enhanced servicesregion 58, may request enhanced services. Enhanced services may includedynamically allocating bandwidth for transceiving data. Dynamicallocation includes increasing the data transfer rate or bandwidth overenhanced services communication link 56, or decreasing the data transferrate by interconnecting to a more economical lower data-rate bandwidthservice sufficient for the needs of the user of subscriber units 49 and109.

Enhanced services requests are evaluated by a variable bandwidthrepeater switch 42 by determining if communication resources areavailable to accommodate the requested bandwidth. If resources areavailable, variable bandwidth repeater switch 42 dynamically allocatesthe requested bandwidth to the requesting subscriber unit Variablebandwidth repeater switch 42 has a variety or plurality of alternativeresources or interconnections through which to route or interconnectsubscriber unit 49 and 109 with another node or user. Interconnectionsinclude a PSTN interface 103, a wideband wired interface 115 (e.g.,fiber optic link, or shielded cable interface), and a wideband wirelessinterface 70 such as a microwave communication link or laser link withanother high frequency transceiver such as a satellite 100 or microwaverepeater. Bandwidth may also be accommodated by employing multiplechannels of a lower bandwidth medium or other techniques known by thoseof skill in the art.

FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a variable bandwidthrepeater switch for use in a communication system, in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

Variable bandwidth repeater switch 42 dynamically allocates bandwidthwhen requested to subscriber units 49 and 109. Wireless subscriber unit49 or wired subscriber unit 109 detects the availability of enhancedservices. Wireless subscriber unit 49 may detect the presence oravailability of enhanced services by monitoring for the presence ofenhanced services beacon signal 52 as transmitted by an enhancedservices beacon transmitter 112. In the preferred embodiment, enhancedservices beacon transmitter 112 defines enhanced services region 58(FIG. 1) by broadcasting enhanced services beacon signal 52 throughoutenhanced services region 58 (FIG. 1). In another preferred embodiment,wireless subscriber unit 49 detects the presence or availability ofenhanced services by coding in a communication link with a variablebandwidth repeater switch status or other indicator informing wirelesssubscriber unit 49 of such services.

An enhanced services communication link 56 carries a request forenhanced services which may be a bandwidth request message to variablebandwidth repeater switch 42. Enhanced services communication links 56with wireless subscriber unit 49 and wired subscriber units 109 areserviced by wireless enhanced services region transceivers 105 and wiredenhanced services region transceivers 108, respectively. Enhancedservices region transceivers 105 and 108 receive a bandwidth requestfrom subscriber units 49 and 109, respectively, and when approved orauthorized for enhanced services, employ the requested bandwidth bytransmitting and receiving consistent with the requested bandwidth.

A switch controller 106 performs an authorization or validation ofrequesting subscriber units to verify authorization of subscriber unitsto perform enhanced services. Switch controller 106 also processes anenhanced services request and, when resources are available todynamically allocate the requested bandwidth, switch controller 106controls the interconnections of switch 104 to form the appropriateinterconnections with the transmission services.

Enhanced services transmission transceivers 102, 114, and 120 establishan interface with transmission services and employ the requestedbandwidth by transmitting and receiving consistent with the requestedbandwidth. For example, a wired enhanced service transmissiontransceiver 120 provides the appropriate interface with PSTN interface103 for accommodating enhanced services. Also, a wideband wired enhancedservices transmission transceiver 114 provides an appropriate interfacefor a wideband wired interface 115. Wideband wired interface 115 may bea fiber optic link or other shield cable interface. Also, a wirelessenhanced services transmission transceivers 102 provide an appropriateinterface to a wideband wireless interface 70. Variable bandwidthrepeater switch 42 employs these transmission services or otherinterfaces know by those of skill in the art.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for dynamically allocating bandwidththrough a variable bandwidth repeater switch to a subscriber unit in anenhanced services region, in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention. Enhanced services communication system 10(FIG. 1) has a standard region and an enhanced services region. In theenhanced services region, bandwidth on communication links isdynamically allocated using variable bandwidth repeater switch 42(FIG. 1) to subscriber units located within enhanced services region 58(FIG. 1).

A query task 310 evaluates the availability of enhanced services, suchas by monitoring for the transmission of enhanced services beacon signal52 (FIG. 1) or other communicative protocol such as the exchange of asystem capability status with a subscriber unit. By detecting theavailability of enhanced services, a subscriber unit may moreefficiently and economically operate in enhanced services communicationsystem 10 (FIG. 1). When enhanced services are not available, a task 315employs standard communication services for transmitting informationthrough the system.

When enhanced services are available, a query task 320 authorizes orvalidates users of enhanced services. In a preferred embodiment,variable bandwidth repeater switch 42 consults a record to verify thatenhanced services are approved for a particular subscriber unit. Ifenhanced services are not approved, a subscriber unit employs onlystandard communication services.

When a subscriber unit is authorized, a task 325 enables enhancedcommunication services to a particular subscriber unit. The subscriberunit may then place bandwidth requests for allocation of an enhancedservices communication link having varied parameters, such as a changein bandwidth.

A query task 330 determines when a request for enhanced services hasbeen issued. When a request for enhanced services is detected, a task335 evaluates the bandwidth request from a subscriber unit by comparingthe request with available resources.

A task 340 selects a variable bandwidth connection from a menu ofinterconnections through variable bandwidth repeater switch 42 (FIG. 1)having at least the requested bandwidth. In a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, interconnections are selected by evaluating thecost of each of the interconnections having at least the requestedbandwidth. In another preferred embodiment, selection ofinterconnections is performed according to other criteria such aspropagation delays through the network. In yet another preferredembodiment, the plurality of available interconnections are presented tothe user of a subscriber unit, wherein the user selects a particularinterconnect from among several.

In another preferred embodiment, the selecting step may further allowthe user to withdraw the bandwidth request. Such a withdrawal may beoccur when interconnection costs become expensive or the benefits ofdynamic allocation of bandwidth becomes prohibitive.

A task 345 establishes the route or interconnection according to therequested interconnect. Such interconnection may be performed by switch104 (FIG. 2) at the direction of switch controller 106 (FIG. 2).Communication over enhanced services communication link 56 (FIG. 1)commences when interconnection completes.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for a subscriber unit employingdynamically allocated bandwidth through a variable bandwidth repeaterswitch in an enhanced services region in a communication system, inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Asubscriber unit may operate within an enhanced services communicationsystem 10 (FIG. 1) in both a standard region and an enhanced servicesregion. In enhanced services region 58 (FIG. 1), bandwidth oncommunication links may be dynamically allocated using variablebandwidth repeater switch 42 (FIG. 1).

A subscriber unit, in a query task 410, evaluates the availability ofenhanced services, by monitoring for the transmission of enhancedservices beacon signal 52 (FIG. 1) or other communicative protocol suchas the exchange of a system capability status with a subscriber unit. Bydetecting the availability of enhanced services, a subscriber unit maymore efficiently and economically operate in enhanced servicescommunication system 10 (FIG. 1). When enhanced services are notavailable, a subscriber unit performs a task 415 employing standardcommunication services for transmitting information through the system.

A subscriber unit, in a query task 420, receives authorization orvalidation to employ enhanced services. If enhanced services are notapproved, a subscriber unit may employ only standard communicationservices.

When a subscriber unit receives an authorization to use enhancedservices, a task 425 enables enhanced communication services to aparticular subscriber unit. The subscriber unit may then place bandwidthrequests for allocation of an enhanced services communication linkhaving varied parameters, such as a change in bandwidth.

A query task 430 determines if a request for enhanced services has beenissued. When a request for enhanced services is granted, a task 435employs the requested bandwidth for transmission of data through thevariable bandwidth repeater switch. In a preferred embodiment, thesubscriber unit transmits consistent with the requested bandwidththrough a variable bandwidth connection from among severalinterconnections through the variable bandwidth repeater switch, andreceives consistent with requested bandwidth through the variablebandwidth connection. In another preferred embodiment, a subscriber unitreceives a menu of interconnections having at least the requestedbandwidth, and selects from among the choices. In yet another preferredembodiment, the menu of available interconnections are presented to theuser of a subscriber unit, wherein the user may select a particularinterconnect from among those listed in the menu.

In another preferred embodiment, the subscriber unit, in the selectingstep, may further allow the user to withdraw the bandwidth request. Sucha withdrawal may occur when interconnection costs become expensive orthe benefits of dynamic allocation of bandwidth becomes prohibitive.

Following the establishment of a route or interconnection of resourcesto allocate the requested bandwidth, a task 435 employs the requestedbandwidth for transmission of data.

Thus, a method and variable bandwidth repeater switch for dynamicallyallocating bandwidth through a variable bandwidth repeater switch havinga plurality of interconnections between a subscriber unit and a standardregion to a subscriber unit in an enhanced services region by detectingthe availability of enhanced services in the enhanced services region,evaluating availability of requested bandwidth, and allocating therequested bandwidth to the subscriber unit have been disclosed.

Also, a method for employing dynamically allocated bandwidth through avariable bandwidth repeater switch in an enhanced services region, bydetecting the availability of enhanced services, requesting dynamicbandwidth from enhanced services, and employing the requested bandwidthfor transmission of data with the variable bandwidth repeater switch hasbeen disclosed.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosedinvention may be modified in numerous ways and may assume manyembodiments other than the preferred form specifically set out anddescribed above.

Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover allmodifications of the invention which fall within the true spirit andscope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. In a communication system having a standardservices region and an enhanced services region for providing enhancedservices to users, a method for dynamically allocating bandwidth througha variable bandwidth repeater switch to a subscriber unit in saidenhanced services region, said variable bandwidth repeater switch havinga plurality of interconnections between said subscriber unit and saidstandard services region, said method comprising the steps of:detectingavailability of said enhanced services; when said subscriber unitrequests said enhanced services, evaluating availability of requestedbandwidth; and when said requested bandwidth is available, allocatingsaid requested bandwidth to said subscriber unit in response to requestfor said enhanced services.
 2. A method as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising the step of prior to said evaluating step, authorizing saidsubscriber unit to employ said enhanced services of said enhancedservices region.
 3. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein saidallocating step comprises the steps of:selecting a variable bandwidthconnection from said plurality of interconnections through said variablebandwidth repeater switch having at least said requested bandwidth; andestablishing said variable bandwidth connection through said variablebandwidth repeater switch.
 4. A method as recited in claim 3, whereinsaid selecting step comprises the steps of:evaluating a cost of each ofsaid plurality of interconnections having at least said requestedbandwidth; and selecting said variable bandwidth connection having aleast cost of said plurality of interconnections having at least saidrequested bandwidth.
 5. A method as recited in claim 3, wherein saidselecting step comprises the steps of:presenting to a user of saidsubscriber unit each of said plurality of interconnections having atleast said requested bandwidth; and said user of said subscriber unitselecting said variable bandwidth connection having at least saidrequested bandwidth.
 6. A method as recited in claim 5, wherein saidselecting step further comprises the step of allowing said user towithdraw said requested bandwidth.
 7. In a subscriber unit for operationin a communication system having a standard services region and anenhanced services region for providing enhanced services to users, amethod for utilizing dynamically allocating bandwidth through a variablebandwidth repeater switch to said subscriber unit in said enhancedservices region, said variable bandwidth repeater switch having aplurality of interconnections between said subscriber unit and saidstandard services region, said method comprising the steps of:detectingavailability of said enhanced services; requesting requested bandwidthfrom said enhanced services; and when said requested bandwidth isavailable, employing said requested bandwidth for transmission of datawith said variable bandwidth repeater switch.
 8. A method as recited inclaim 7, further comprising the step of prior to said employing step,receiving an authorization to employ enhanced services of said enhancedservices region.
 9. A method as recited in claim 7, wherein saidemploying step comprises the steps of:transmitting data consistent withsaid requested bandwidth through a variable bandwidth connection fromsaid plurality of interconnections through said variable bandwidthrepeater switch; and receiving data consistent with requested bandwidththrough said variable bandwidth connection from said plurality ofinterconnections.
 10. A method as recited in claim 9, said employingstep further comprises the steps of:receiving said plurality ofinterconnections having at least said requested bandwidth; and a userselecting said variable bandwidth connection having at least saidrequested bandwidth.
 11. A method as recited in claim 10, wherein saidselecting step further comprises the step of allowing said user towithdraw said bandwidth request.
 12. A communication system having astandard services region and an enhanced services region for dynamicallyallocating bandwidth in said enhanced services region and for providingenhanced services to a user, said communication system comprising:asubscriber unit for detecting availability of said enhanced servicesregion; and when said subscriber unit requests said enhanced services insaid enhanced services region, a variable bandwidth repeater switchhaving a plurality of interconnections between said subscriber unit andsaid standard services region for evaluating availability of requestedbandwidth, and when said requested bandwidth is available, allocatingsaid requested bandwidth to said subscriber unit.
 13. A communicationsystem as recited in claim 12, wherein said variable bandwidth repeaterswitch further authorizes said subscriber unit to employ enhancedservices in said enhanced services region.
 14. A communication system asrecited in claim 12, wherein said variable bandwidth repeater switchfurther selects a variable bandwidth connection from said plurality ofinterconnections through said variable bandwidth repeater switch havingat least said requested bandwidth, and establishes said variablebandwidth connection through said variable bandwidth repeater switch.15. A communication system as recited in claim 14, wherein said variablebandwidth repeater switch further evaluates a cost of each of saidplurality of interconnections having at least said requested bandwidth,and selects said variable bandwidth connection having a least cost ofsaid plurality of interconnections having at least said requestedbandwidth.
 16. A communication system as recited in claim 14, furthercomprising:said variable bandwidth repeater switch further presents to auser of said subscriber unit each of said plurality of interconnectionshaving at least said requested bandwidth; and said subscriber unitfurther selects said variable bandwidth connection having at least saidrequested bandwidth.
 17. A communication system as recited in claim 15,wherein said variable bandwidth repeater switch allows said user of saidsubscriber unit to withdraw said requested bandwidth.
 18. In acommunication system having a standard services region and an enhancedservices region, a variable bandwidth repeater switch for dynamicallyallocating bandwidth available to a subscriber unit operating in saidenhanced services region when said subscriber unit requests a requestedbandwidth, comprising:an enhanced services region transceiver forreceiving a bandwidth request from a subscriber unit in saidcommunication system and for employing said requested bandwidth bytransmitting and receiving consistent with said requested bandwidth withsaid subscriber unit; an enhanced services transmission transceiver forestablishing an interface with said standard services region foremploying said requested bandwidth by transmitting and receivingconsistent with said requested bandwidth with said standard servicesregion; and a switch having a plurality of interconnections between saidenhanced services region transceiver interfacing with said subscriberunit, and said enhanced services transmission transceiver interfacingwith said standard services region, said switch also evaluatesavailability of requested bandwidth and allocates said requestedbandwidth when said requested bandwidth is available.
 19. A variablebandwidth repeater switch as recited in claim 18, further comprising:anenhanced services beacon transmitter for defining said enhanced servicesregion by broadcasting a beacon signal about said enhanced servicesregion.
 20. A variable bandwidth repeater switch as recited in claim 18,wherein said switch further comprises:a switch controller forauthorizing said subscriber unit to employ enhanced services of saidenhanced services region.
 21. A variable bandwidth repeater switch asrecited in claim 20, wherein said switch controller further selects avariable bandwidth connection from said plurality of interconnectionsthrough said switch, and establishes said variable bandwidth connectionthrough said switch.